Friendships are beautiful experiences if friends are chosen carefully. Solomon wisely says (Proverbs 12:26) "A righteous man is cautious in friendship but the way of the wicked leads them astray."
Everyone needs at least one good friend. A true friend is usually a confident. One who may be trusted to listen but who will also keep a confidence. There is therapy in being able to discuss a matter with a friend, knowing that he will not rush to others with that which has been shared.
Often a friend's input into a situation changes ones whole perspective. Sometimes, just the fact that he or she listens intently is all a person needs to come to a sensible decision. A friend's perspective is invaluable in that he or she may reveal a side to your dilemma that you had not personally considered.
God did not create us to be 'loners.' Those who choose that path are usually people who have become embittered because of hurtful experiences from unwisely chosen friendships.
We've probably all been hurt by a friend or at least one we thought was our friend. Perhaps we shared some intimate detail about our life that we felt a need to talk about only to have that person show his true colors by spreading the information to others or making judgments that caused the friendship to dissolve. Many of us have learned by those bitter experiences to be careful in our choice of friends.
Friends that are ill chosen can lead people into sin. I think especially of young people who chose friends just to be one of the crowd. Teenagers seem to be the most vulnerable. Athletic skills, appearance, clothing, even the latest electronic gadget seem to separate teens into social classes. When there is a desire to 'belong' the teen often fails to observe the character traits of those with whom they desire to share affinity. All too often, they are so desperate for acceptance that they will do almost anything to belong.
Parents play a valuable role at this particular moment and walk a fine line. The wisest choice of approach is to always take one's concern to God in prayer asking for wisdom as to the best technique to use in discussing the matter with the teen. I, personally, always made it a habit to ask God to cause my children to bring up the subject that I desired to discuss with them. He never failed!
Friendships are best held lightly. They tend to come and go as we have 'need' for a certain relationship. It is only occasionally that a close, intimate, friendship will last a lifetime. When it happens, we can count ourselves fortunate. If it doesn't, we must be willing to move ahead knowing that we are better people for having had the experience whether it was negative or positive.
If you need a friend... be a friend. :)
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